Waste disposal system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a flexible bag  14  with glove members  20, 22,  a removable and replaceable splash shield  17,  a drain line tube  32,  and a refill tube  48  in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag  14,  the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention is a divisional of currently pending U.S.patent application Serial No. 09/799,226, filed Mar. 5, 2001 by the sameinventor and having the same assignee as the present application, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,274, issued Mar. 6,2001 by the same inventor and having the same assignee as the presentapplication. The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/799,226 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,274 are expressly incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus andmethod for the disposal of waste from an aircraft and replenishment ofsanitary chemical solutions to the aircraft during servicing of anaircraft lavatory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Presently, the removal of human waste and replenishing oflavatory solutions during the servicing of an aircraft is a manualoperation. A ramp attendant uses a system of hoses, couplings andstorage tanks to drain human waste, including fecal matter, from theaircraft lavatory and to refill the lavatory with a chemical solution,referred to as “blue solution.” The blue solution used to fill thestorage tanks of the aircraft lavatory generally includes water,perfumes and/or other chemical ingredients that reduce the smell of thehuman waste. An example of such a mixture is formaldehyde and methanol,which neutralizes the harmful effects of the human waste.

[0004] Human waste, whether combined with perfumes or the chemicals usedas components of the blue solution, is a hazardous material.Additionally, the blue solution itself is a hazardous material. As such,any contact of human waste or blue solution with human persons, theirclothing and other property should be avoided. However, resulting fromthe apparatus and method due to the consequent lack of protectioncurrently used for servicing aircraft lavatories, there exists thepotential for the blue solution and human waste to spill onto theattendant or tarmac during servicing of the aircraft. This spillage mayalso come into contact with other persons in the vicinity of theaircraft lavatory or with property, such as baggage, which may beassociated with the aircraft. Additionally, persons and property maycome into contact with blue solution or human waste remaining on anairport tarmac following servicing of an aircraft. Thus, there aresignificant risks, not the least which are health hazards, for anyonewhose person or property contacts the blue solution or human waste.

[0005] Regarding the method currently used to service an aircraftlavatory, an attendant places a service cart/truck in proximity to anaccess panel for the aircraft lavatory. The service cart/truck includesstorage tanks that waste will be deposited to and blue solution will bepumped from. The access panel is generally located underneath or on theside of the aircraft. This access panel is usually secured with thumbsnaps, which are compressed, allowing the door to open upon release.Following the placement of the service cart/truck, the ramp attendant,wearing latex gloves as a precautionary measure, opens the access panel.Tubing associated with storage tanks of the aircraft lavatory isaccessible behind the access panel. Valves are operatively connected tothese tubes to effect their opening and closing. The tube and valvesystem of the aircraft includes a rinse/refill tube having a maleflange, a waste tube having a male flange, and a T-handle. Bymanipulating T-handle, all waste debris inside the holding tank of theaircraft lavatory is released and thus emptied from the aircraft throughthe waste tube. This waste flows to the storage tank of the servicecart/truck through a drain line tube which has been connected to thewaste tube of the aircraft. The service cart/truck also includes arefill tube which associates with the rinse/refill tube of the aircraft.These tubes are used to replenish the aircraft lavatory with bluesolution once the waste has been discharged.

[0006] Generally, upon opening the access panel, a stream of bluesolution, which almost always contains human waste, falls out of thedrainage pipes in the aircraft. Often, this mixture contacts the handsand clothing of the attendant, the cart/truck and the tarmac underneaththe aircraft. Depending on the type and design of the aircraft, any suchcontamination may spread to the cargo and baggage area near the lavatorysystem. If wind is blowing during servicing of the aircraft, thepotential for spreading of hazardous materials increases significantly.

[0007] Following the opening of the access panel, a cap closing off thewaste tube is opened. Waste drainage and/or tissue debris is located inthe waste tube beyond this cap, as the contents of the lavatory holdingtank drain to the lowest point. As in the case of the blue solution,this waste drainage also falls and may contact the attendant's hands,unless the ramp attendant dangerously and quickly releases the handle ofthe waste cap and steps blindly backwards to avoid the drainage. Suchmotion could result in accident and/or injury to the attendant and/orothers. Occasionally, the waste release valve may have inadvertentlybeen left open or may have opened accidentally during travel, and thewaste therein streams out when the ramp attendant opens the cap of thewaste tube. This results in a substantial amount of waste debris fallingout of the aircraft.

[0008] After the initial flow of waste matter has stopped, the attendantwill attach the waste coupling on the drain line tube extending from thecart/truck to the aircraft by rotating the head, thereby locking thecoupling in place. After locking the waste coupling in place, theattendant releases the waste stored in the lavatory holding tank inorder that it may flow into the drain line tube of the now attachedwaste disposal system. During this flow, human waste and blue solutionmay leak from the junction of the couplings, the drain line tube andwaste tube. Any such leakage causes the exterior of the tubing andcoupling to become contaminated. Additionally, this drain line tube lieson top of the service cart/truck, further exposing the entire cart/truckto waste fecal debris. Additionally, any attendant in proximity to thedrainage process may come into contact with this waste leakage. Thewaste debris may further fall to the airport tarmac.

[0009] Once the waste has flowed into the drain line tube, the tube mustbe snaked or angled so the waste will be deposited into the storagetanks of the service cart/truck. As the couplings get more use, thebearings and rings start to wear. As a result, any rotation of the headcauses leakage of waste debris. Also the drain line tube generallyincludes metal wire woven inside. This results in holes and tears in thedrain line tube leading to the cart/truck, causing drips and runs as thewaste is deposited into the cart/truck.

[0010] After the waste is deposited into the cart/truck, the rampattendant disconnects the waste coupling and steps back quickly andreturns the drain line tube and coupling to the cart/truck. Theattendant waits until the remaining drips of waste have stopped and thenlocks the waste cap back in place. This leakage may also result in thecontamination of persons and property.

[0011] After all waste has been drained from the aircraft, the rampattendant connects the coupling of the refill tube to the rinse/refillflange of the aircraft and locks it into place in a manner similar tothe waste coupling. The attendant walks to the cart/truck and turns on aswitch on a pump to refill the lavatory with the blue solution. Theamount of blue solution used will vary by aircraft, but can amount up to25 gallons. Following refill, the attendant stops the pump and unlocksthe fill coupling from the aircraft, and, as in the case of the wastedrainage, blindly and in a backward motion tries to escape being hitwith the refill blue solution as it drains back out of the aircraft.After the backwash flow of the blue solution is emptied onto the tarmacwith the attendant hazards of contacting persons and/or property, theagent places the refill tube back onto the cart/truck and locks the capback onto the rinse/refill tube of the aircraft.

[0012] The ramp attendant finally closes the lavatory access panel, andremoves the latex gloves and pulls away to the next aircraft. As theramp attendant pulls away, there is human waste and blue solution leftbehind on the tarmac and on the cart/truck, as well as on the clothes ofthe attendant. Waste debris may also remain on the cargo and baggagenear the aircraft, and on other persons such as airport personnel. Anywaste or blue solution on the tarmac may remain until it rains or thematerial evaporates.

[0013] As can be seen from the above discussion, the current method ofservicing aircraft lavatory systems results in the deleterious spread ofhuman waste, such as urine and fecal material, along with blue solutionto humans and property. Contact with such hazardous material couldpotentially have several harmful effects. Thus, it would be desirable tohave a system for servicing aircraft lavatories with minimal splashingof human waste onto ramp attendants, property and the tarmac ofairports. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a system whichminimizes contact of blue solution with attendants, property and thetarmac. Finally, it would be desirable to have a system which would notsubject the environment to risks of hazardous materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The apparatus and method for servicing an aircraft lavatory ofthe present invention solves the problems and eliminates the drawbacksof current methods of servicing aircraft lavatories as developed in thebackground of the invention. The apparatus used in the present inventionsurrounds a defined workspace in order to facilitate the disposal of thewaste while preventing the waste from contacting persons and propertyoutside the workspace. In particular, the apparatus includes a flexiblebag which, in use, is placed over the access panel of the aircraft inorder to catch any waste debris or blue solution that may fall from theholding tank tubes. The apparatus also includes first and secondorifices disposed in the bag. Gloves are attached to these openingswhereby a ramp attendant can place his/her hands into the gloves inorder to service the aircraft lavatory within the workspace defined bythe bag. Also located to the interior of the bag is a drain line tube. Arefill tube from a service cart/truck may be disposed in the interior ofthe bag by extending it through a refill tube port disposed in the bag.Each of these tubes passes through an opening in the bag and areconnected to the waste and refill tanks of a service cart/truck. Thedrain line tube and the refill tube include female couplings which arecompatible with male couplings located within the interior of theaircraft. A refill switch is connected to the refill tube and operates apump in order to replenish the aircraft lavatory with blue solution. Theopening in the bottom of the bag is heat sealed around the drain linetube. At least one drain port hole is disposed in the drain line tube inproximity to the base of the bag so that any waste material which fallsinto the bag will thereafter be drained into the drain line tube by wayof these port holes to be subsequently deposited into the waste storagetank on the service cart/truck. In addition to a waste storage tank, theservice cart/truck includes a storage tank for blue solution which isconnected to the refill tube.

[0015] The bag member used in the apparatus is a protective heat sealedbag and includes a transparent face shield along with the continuousdrain line tube and refill tube that extend from the waste coupling tothe storage tank of the service cart/truck. The bag forms a trap, whichcatches any falling waste debris and/or blue solution from the openwaste and refill flanges of the aircraft during servicing of theaircraft lavatory.

[0016] In use, the attendant puts on a pair of latex gloves andpositions the service cart/truck near the lavatory access panel locatedon the fuselage of the aircraft. As a result, the tanks are placed inclose proximity to the access panel of the aircraft in order to reducewear on other components of the waste disposal apparatus, therebyreducing leakage of waste material and blue solution.

[0017] Following the positioning of the cart/truck, the attendant opensthe access panel exposing the waste flange, refill flange and T-handle.The attendant then places his/her hands in the gloves attached to thebag and positions the open top of the bag against the aircraft andsurrounding the exposed flanges and T-handle. The attendant opens thecap of the waste flange, thereby allowing all waste debris to fall intothe trap created by the positioning of the bag. The attendant couplesthe drain line tube to the waste flange, then pulls the T-handle so thatwaste will drain through the drain line tube and into the waste storagetank of the service cart/truck.

[0018] The waste debris which has fallen into the bag will proceed tothe lowest point of the bag which is heat sealed against the drain linetube extending from the interior of the bag to the service cart/truck.The portion of the drain line tube to which the interior of the bag issealed contains drain port holes whereby waste will drain from theinterior of the bag into the drain line tube. Thus the problem ofcontamination of persons and property with waste matter is greatlyreduced.

[0019] Following the drainage of waste, the attendant disconnects thewaste coupling allowing it to fall into the bag and closes the wasteflange cap. The attendant then attaches the refill coupling of therefill tube which has been extended through the refill tube port to therinse/refill flange located within the aircraft. The switch to operatethe refill pump is connected to the bag for convenience so the attendantdoes not need to lower the bag and remove his/her hands from the gloves,which would increase the chances of contamination. The attendant thenfills the storage tank of the aircraft lavatory with blue solution andfollowing filling disconnects the refill coupling from the flange,allowing all spillage and backwash of blue solution to fall into thetrap, into the waste tube and into the tank in one motion.

[0020] Because the bag is sealed and the gloves are sealed to the bag,there is a very small likelihood that liquid or small debris can escapethe bag. This keeps the human fecal debris and blue solution fromcontacting the tarmac, the attendant, the baggage, the cargo and otherproperty. Likewise the falling debris is not susceptible to spread fromwind. Following drainage of all waste into the cart/truck the attendantplaces the bag into the cart/truck and returns to the aircraft andcloses the lavatory access panel. As the attendant pulls the cart/truckaway there is no evident sign that the lavatory has been serviced, dueto the fact that there is minimal or no liquid or solid debris on theramp, the tarmac, or attendant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the access panel of a lavatorytank located on the fuselage of an aircraft;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tubing system of an aircraftlavatory showing a waste tube with a hinged valve cover, a refill linetube, and a T-handle for opening the valve of the waste tube and refilltube;

[0023]FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the waste tube of an aircraftlavatory taken along lines 2A-2A of FIG. 2; and

[0024]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus ofthe present invention depicting a bag including orifices having attachedglove members, a drain line tube having drain port holes in proximity tothe base of the bag and a refill tube having a switch to activate apump.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus forthe present invention depicting a bag including a replaceable splashshield, removable glove members, a drain line tube having drain portholes in proximity to the base of the bag, and a refill tube having aswitch to activate a pump;

[0026]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an L-shaped slot embodiment ofthe locking mechanism for the removable and replaceable shield of thepresent invention depicting the slot and peg in an unlocked position;

[0027]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an L-shaped slot embodiment ofthe locking mechanism for the removable and replaceable shield of thepresent invention depicting the slot and peg in a locked position;

[0028]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the removable and replaceable glovesof the present invention depicting a glove, glove base, and clamp;

[0029]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the removable and replaceablegloves, glove base, and clamp of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a tubeadapter in accordance with the principles of the present invention takenalong lines 7A-7A of FIG. 4;

[0031]FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a tubeadapter in accordance with the principles of the present invention takenalong lines 7B-7B of FIG. 4; and

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus ofthe present invention in combination with a stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the apparatus 10 of the present inventionprovides a containment mechanism for trapping human waste, such as fecaldebris and the like, and blue solution located in a lavatory storagetank (not shown) of an aircraft 12 or other transportation (i.e., buses,trains, etc.), thereby preventing contact of waste and blue solutionwith persons and/or property. Particularly referring to FIG. 3, theapparatus 10 for waste disposal includes a bag 14 which is substantiallyimpermeable to human waste and blue solution. The bag 14, in variousembodiments, may be formed of a rigid or a flexible material. The bag 14includes an open top 16 adapted to be placed in proximity to an accesspanel 18 of the tanks of an aircraft lavatory for the servicing thereof.Additionally, the apparatus 10 of the present invention includes glovemembers 20, 22 attached to openings 24, 26 disposed within the sidewall28 of the bag 14. These glove members 20, 22 extend within the workspace30 defined by the interior of the bag 14. The glove members 20, 22 areadapted for providing protected access to the interior of the bag 14 forthe hand and arm of a user. The present invention also includes a firstconduit, which is a drain line tube 32, for transporting waste, disposedon both the interior and exterior of the bag 14. The portion of thedrain line tube exterior to the bag 14 is operatively connected to awaste storage tank (not shown) on a service cart/truck (not shown). Thisdrain line tube 32 includes a coupling 38 which is compatible with aflange 40 on a waste tube 42 located behind the access panel 18 of theaircraft 12. Further, the drain line tube 32 includes at least one, butgenerally several port holes 44 in proximity to the base 46 of the bag14 in order that fecal material and other waste debris trapped withinthe interior of the bag 14 will flow back into the drain line tube 32and be subsequently disposed of. The apparatus 10 of the presentinvention also includes a refill tube port 86 disposed within thesidewall 28 of the bag 14. This port 86 allows for second conduit, whichis a refill tube 48 to be extended through the port 86 and into theworkspace defined by the enclosure of the bag 14. The refill tube 48includes a coupling 50 that is compatible with a flange 52 of arinse/refill tube 53 located behind the access panel 18 of the aircraft12. The refill tube 48 further includes a refill line switch 54operatively connected to a pump (not shown) used to transport chemicalsolutions, such as blue solution, through the refill tube 48.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, an access panel 18 for servicing alavatory is depicted on the fuselage 60 of an aircraft 12. This accesspanel 18 may be located underneath the fuselage 60 or on the side of thefuselage 60. Referring to FIG. 2, the system of tubes and valves used inlavatory service is depicted. The tubes are exposed upon opening theaccess panel 18. These include a waste tube 42, a rinse/refill tube 53and a T-handle 64. The waste tube 42 includes a distal end (not shown)and a proximal end 68. The distal end is operatively connected to thewaste holding tank (not shown) of the aircraft lavatory. The proximalend 68 is disposed in the vicinity of the access panel 18 and includes amale flange40 at the terminus of its proximal end 68. This flange 40 andthe opening of the proximal end 68 of the waste tube 42 are covered by awaste tube cap 70 to close off the opening of the waste tube 42.

[0035] Like the waste tube 42, the rinse/refill tube 62 includes adistal end (not shown) and a proximal end 74. The distal end isoperatively connected to the blue solution holding tank (not shown) ofthe aircraft lavatory. The proximal end 74 is disposed in the vicinityof the access panel 18 and includes a male flange 52 at the terminus ofits proximal end. This flange 52 and the opening of the proximal end 74of the rinse/refill tube 62 are covered by a rinse/refill tube cap 76 toclose off the tube opening.

[0036] The T-handle 64 is operatively connected to a valve of the wastetube 42 and holding tank. When manipulated, the T-handle 64 causes thevalve to open, thereby allowing the discharge of stored waste from theholding tank of the lavatory and out through the waste tube 42.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, the bag 14 and tubing system of thepresent invention is shown. The bag 14 includes two basic elements: thesidewall 28 through which are disposed orifices 24, 26, and areplaceable splash shield 17. A major portion of the splash shield 17 issubstantially transparent so that a user having his/her hands insertedinto the glove members 20, 22 can view through the workspace of the bag14 and the access panel 18 being worked upon from outside the bag 14.The splash shield 17 protects the face of the attendant while using thebag 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the splash shield 17 is formed ofa transparent, flexible sheet plastic which is substantially impermeableto waste debris such as fecal material and blue solutions. However, anyflexible material which is substantially impermeable to human wastedebris and blue solution may be used.

[0038] The splash shield 17 of the bag 14 and tubing system of thepresent invention is preferably, but not necessarily, removable andreplaceable. This allows for differently shaped splash shields 17 to beattached to a bag 14 in order to be compatible in shape with thediffering contours of the fuselage of various airplanes.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, a first embodiment of aremovable and replaceable splash shield 17 is shown. As described above,the splash shield 17 of the illustrated embodiment is a transparent,flexible sheet plastic which is substantially impermeable to wastedebris. This splash shield 17 includes a ring member 19 which isintegral with and circumferential about the base of the splash shield17. The ring 19 is rigid and may be formed of a plastic, such as apolyurethane, a metal, or any other rigid material.

[0040] The ring 19 integral with and circumferential about the base ofthe splash shield 17, facilitates the connection of splash shield 17 tobag 14. The ring 19 aids in this connection by providing fasteners,orifices, or other structures which connectably engage compatiblestructures disposed on sidewall 28 of bag 14. In the illustratedembodiment depicted in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, the ring 19 includes aplurality of orifices in the form of L-shaped slots 21 disposed in andthrough the ring 19 along the base of the splash shield 17. The L-shapedslots 21 include a vertical portion 23 having a longitudinal axisextending in a manner substantially perpendicular to a circumferentialplane passing through the ring 19, and a horizontal portion 25 having alongitudinal axis extending in a manner substantially parallel to thecircumferential plane passing through the ring 19. When the splashshield 17 is attached to the bag 14 of the present invention, the ring19 and L-shaped slots 21 are in confronting relationship with thesidewall 28 of the bag 14. The bag 14 includes a plurality of pegs 27disposed at intervals about the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. These pegs 27are located proximal to the upper circumference of the open top of thesidewall 28 and protrude into the enclosure defined by the sidewall 28.During attachment, the L-shaped slots 21 of the ring 19 receive the pegs27 and, in interlocking relationship with the pegs 27 disposed throughthe L-shaped slots 21 of the ring 19, connect the ring 19, and thus thesplash shield 17, to the bag 14.

[0041] Alternatively, these pegs 27 may be integral with a ring (notshown) disposed about the circumference of the bag 14. This ring may beflexible or rigid and may be disposed within the lining of the bag 14.The ring may be held within the lining of the bag 14 by being sewn,glued, heat-sealed, attached by velcro, or by any other method. The pegs27 integral with the ring are then disposed through the sidewall 28 ofthe bag 14.

[0042] In use, a splash shield 17 is selected to match the contour ofthe fuselage of a particular aircraft. The splash shield 17 is thenplaced in proximity to the sidewall 28 of the bag 14 such that the ring19 of the splash shield 17 confronts the pegs 27 disposed about thecircumference of the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The ring 19 is thenmanipulated such that the pegs 27 extend through the vertical portion 23of the L-shaped slots 21. The vertical portion 23 of the slots 21 allowsenough room to maneuver the ring 19 so that all pegs 27 are disposedthrough a vertical portion 23 of an L-shaped slot 21. Next, the splashshield 17 is rotated. As rotation of the splash shield 17 continue, thepegs 27 slide along the horizontal portion 25 of the L-shaped slots 21such that the pegs 27 are disposed through the L-shaped slots 21 alongthe horizontal portion 25. Rotation is halted when the pegs 27 abut thedistal end 29 of the horizontal portion 25 of the L-shaped slots 21. Atight friction fit between the pegs 27, and L-shaped slots 21 preventsthe splash shield 17 from disengaging from the sidewall 28 of the bag14. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the orifices inthe ring 19 may be of shapes other than L-shaped. Additionally, inalternate embodiments of the present invention, the removable andreplaceable splash shield 17 may be operatively connected to thesidewall 28 of the bag 14 by hooks, snaps, fasteners, or any othermethod known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the splash shield 17 may be providedwith an additional shield extension 90 (shown in FIG. 8) to allow thesplash shield 17 to be extended for use on larger aircraft. The shieldextension 90 is formed of a transparent, flexible sheet plastic which issubstantially impermeable to waste debris. In such an embodiment, theshield extension 90 is operatively connected to the splash shield 17 byany method apparent to those skilled in the art which allows the shieldextension to be folded over and into the receptacle area defined withinthe splash shield 17. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8,one such method of connecting the shield extension and the splash shield17 may be by a hinge 92. Thus, during normal use, the shield extension90 is folded into the enclosure of the bag 14 and confronts the interiorof the splash shield 17. When a larger splash shield is required, theshield extension 90 may be removed from its folded position to anupright position continuous with the splash shield 17.

[0044] The base 46 of the bag 14 is disposed opposite the open top 16and forms a spill trap to which any waste material or blue solutionwithin the bag 14 ultimately drains due to the force of gravity. Thespill trap formed by the bag 14 in one embodiment has an ellipticalshape with a diameter in the range of about 6 inches to 10 inches and adepth in the range of about 3 inches to 6 inches. The flexibletransparent and elliptical shaped splash shield, forming the upper partof the bag 14, has a major axis in the range of about 14 inches to 18inches and a minor axis in the range of approximately 10 inches to 14inches. This size bag 14 is sufficient to completely encompass thenecessary work area on most aircraft 12. However, the size of the bag 14can be altered to fit other aircraft 12 or other modes of transportation(i.e., buses, trains, etc.). The bag 14 traps waste material and bluesolution which does not flow directly into the drain line tube 32 andallows that waste material to drain through the port holes 44 on thedrain line tube 32 inside the bag 14 to subsequently be deposited in thewaste storage tank of the service cart/truck.

[0045] The glove members 20, 22 in the illustrated embodiment of thepresent invention are provided in the form of a pair of flexible gloves20, 22 sealed at their cuffs 78, 80 to first and second orifices 24, 26in the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The gloves 20, 22 are positioned toaccommodate both hands of the user in a comfortable position for workingon the area of the lavatory beyond the access panel 18 which is isolatedby the bag 14. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, thematerial of the gloves 20, 22 is a thin, flexible plastic, although itshould be apparent that other conventional glove materials substantiallyimpermeable to human waste debris and blue solution can be used. Thefirst and second orifices 24, 26 to which are attached the pair ofprotective gloves 20, 22 are located in the body of the bag 14. Eachglove 20, 22 is attached to its respective orifice 24, 26 by means ofclamps, heat, sewing or snap rings. The gloves 20, 22 allow the user totouch all connection couplings 38, 50 inside the bag 14 whilemaintaining a clean operation.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gloves 20, 22 areremovable and replaceable. Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a firstembodiment of the removable and replaceable gloves 20, 22 are shown. Inparticular, first and second glove bases 35, 37 are disposed about thecircumference of first and second orifices 24, 26. First and secondglove bases 35, 37 include a horizontal ring member 39 is and a verticalring member 41. The horizontal ring member 39 is disposed in a mannerconfronting the exterior surface of the sidewall 28 of the bag 14proximal to and circumferentially about first and second orifices 24,26.

[0047] Alternatively, the horizontal ring member 39 may be housed withinand enveloped by the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The vertical ring member41 extends through first and second orifices 24, 26 and protrudes intothe enclosure defined by sidewall 28 of bag 14. The vertical ring member41 includes a rolled-over lip 43 which extends away from the center offirst and second orifices 24, 26. Removable and replaceable gloves 20,22 are then placed over the vertical ring members 41 of first and secondglove bases 35, 37. First and second clamps 45, 47 are placed over thegloves 20, 22 and the vertical ring members 41 of first and second glovebases 35, 37, such that gloves 20, 22 are disposed between first andsecond glove bases 35, 37 and first and second clamps 45, 47. Bytightening or loosening these clamps 45, 47, the gloves 20, 22 may berespectively operatively connected to or removed from first and secondorifices 24, 26 of the bag 14. The rolled-over lips 43 of the verticalring members 41 prevent the clamps 45, 47 from slipping off the glovebases 35, 37.

[0048] A second embodiment of the removable and replaceable gloves 20,22 includes first and second connector rings (not shown). First andsecond connector rings are placed over the gloves 20, 22 and thevertical ring members 41 of the first and second glove bases, such thatgloves 20, 22 are disposed between first and second glove bases 35, 37and first and second connector rings (not shown). First and secondclamps 45, 47 are then disposed circumferentially about the first andsecond connector rings (not shown).

[0049] As may be best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, theapparatus 10 of the present invention further includes a first conduit,which is a drain line tube 32, which extends from the interior of thebag 14 to the exterior of the bag 14 by passing through an opening 82located in the base 46 of the bag 14. In the illustrated embodiment,this drain line tube 32 is formed of a flexible material, in order thatthe user may easily manipulate drain line tube 32 within the bag 34 tomake connection with the waste tube 42. Opening 82 is disposedsubstantially opposite the open top 16 of the bag 14. In the illustratedembodiment, the opening 82 is sized to match the circumference of thedrain line tube 32. The bag 14 is sealed at the opening 82 in its bottomto and around the circumference of the drain line tube 32 by heat. Inalternate embodiments, this material of the bag 14 around opening 82 maybe attached by being sewn or snapped or by any other method whichfacilitates attachment. The bottom of the bag 14 tapers towards itscenter in order to allow a free flow of waste materials to the portholes 44 of the drain line tube 32.

[0050] The proximal end 84 of the drain line tube 32 includes a femalecoupling 38 which attaches to a corresponding male flange 40 on theproximal end 68 of the waste tube 42. Following this connection, thedrain line tube 32 is used as a conduit to transport human waste debrisand other debris from the aircraft 12 to a waste storage tank 34 on theservice cart/truck 36. In the illustrated embodiment, this drain linetube 32 is generally of a round shape having a diameter in the range ofapproximately 4 to 4½ inches. The length of the drain line tube 32extends throughout the bag 14 and extends to the waste tank. The lengthof the tube 32 will vary depending on the style of cart/truck used and,therefore, its potential distance from the aircraft 12. However, thelength of the drain line tube 32 from the female coupling 38 on itsproximal end 84 to the drain port holes 44 will generally range fromabout 16 inches to 20 inches.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the drain line tube 32 of thebag 14 and tubing system of the present invention includes a tubeadapter 49, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. This tube adapter 49operates to prevent the backflow of waste from the drain line tube 32 tothe bag 14 in the event that the drain line tube 32 becomes clogged. Thetube adapter 49 also includes a connector (not shown) to provide aconnection fitting should a user desire to splice the drain line tube 32below the tube adapter 49 to connect a separate drain tube and/or acheck valve. The tube adapter 49 is disposed within the drain line tube32 below the port holes 44. In a first embodiment (shown in FIG. 7A),the tube adapter 49 includes a flipper 51 which is operatively connectedto the drain line tube 32 by a hinge 53 or other mechanism which allowsfor movement of the flipper 51. During normal flow of waste, the flipper51 is depressed against the wall of the drain line tube 32 to allow flowof waste and debris from the aircraft to the LAV cart/truck. Should thedrain line tube 32 become clogged, the force of the backflow causes theflipper 51 to move toward the proximal end 84 of the drain line tube 32.When the flipper 51 is parallel to the cross-sectional plane of thedrain line tube 32, its further movement is prevented by a stopper 55extending from the drain line tube 32. Thus, the entire path of thedrain line tube 32 is closed off.

[0052] In a second embodiment (shown in FIG. 7B), the tube adapter 49includes a plurality of flexible ridges 57 disposed along the interiorof the drain line tube 32 at a downward angle. These ridges 57 allow forthe passage of waste and debris from the aircraft to the servicecart/truck. However, upon the backflow of waste, the angle of the ridges57 prevents all but a minimal amount of debris from reentering the bag14 because the backflow of waste becomes trapped in the interstices 59between successive ridges 57 of the adapter 49.

[0053] The drain port holes 44 are located in the vicinity of the base46 of the bag 14 and are disposed through the drain line tube 32 withinthe interior workspace 30 of the bag 14. These port holes 44 arepredrilled during fabrication of the bag 14 and, in the illustratedembodiment, are approximately ¼ of an inch in diameter and arepositioned in rows of 6 to 10 drain port holes 44 spaced approximately 1inch apart around the circumference of the drain line tube 32. In theillustrated embodiment, the drain line tube 32 is comprised of aflexible material such as plastic and can form a straight, 45, or 90°angle toward the waste storage tank of the service cart/truck. Thus, theflexibility of the drain line tube 32 allows for its positioning toenhance the efficiency of deposition of waste material into the storagetank. An alternate embodiment of the present invention (depicted in FIG.4) may include at least one larger port hole 61 of 2½ inches in diameterdisposed through the drain line tube 32. This larger port hole 61 allowsfor the transport of larger debris which falls into the spill trap backinto the drain line tube 32.

[0054] The bag 14 of the illustrated embodiment further includes arefill tube port 86 disposed in its sidewall 28. This port 86 allows asecond conduit, which is a refill tube 48, as may be found on anyservice cart/truck, to be disposed through the interior of the bag 14 byextending though port 86. In the illustrated embodiment, this refilltube 48 is formed from a flexible material, in order that a user mayeasily manipulate the refill tube 48 for connection to the rinse/refilltube 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the port 86 is sized to matchthe circumference of the refill tube 48. The refill tube 48 is not anintegral part of the apparatus 10, but may be disposed through port 86and into bag 14 in order that bag 14 may catch any blue solution whichfalls from access panel during replenishment of aircraft storage tanks.In an alternative embodiment, the bag 14 is sealed at the port 86 in itsbottom to and around the circumference of the refill tube 48 by heat. Inthis embodiment, refill tube 48 may be an integral part of apparatus 10.In other alternate embodiments, this material of the bag 14 around theopening 82 may be sewn or snapped or connected by any other material inorder to facilitate the attachment.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the refill tube 48 maybe used without a separate refill tube port 86 disposed through the bag14. Rather, both drain line tube 32 and refill tube 48 may extend fromthe interior of the bag 14 to the exterior of the bag 14 with both tubesbeing disposed through a single opening in the base of the bag 14. Inthis configuration, refill tube 48 may run along the outside of drainline tube 32 or, alternatively, may be disposed at least partiallywithin drain line tube 32.

[0056] The proximal end 88 of the refill tube 48 includes a femalecoupling 50 which attaches to a corresponding male flange 52 on theproximal end 74 of the rinse/refill tube 53. Following this connection,the refill tube 48 is used to transport blue solution from the holdingtanks of the service cart/truck to the aircraft 12. In the illustratedembodiment, this refill tube 48 is generally of a round shape having adiameter in the range of approximately 1 inch to 1½ inches. The lengthof the refill tube 48 extends throughout the bag 14 and extends to theholding tank of the service cart/truck. The length of the tube 48 willvary depending on the style of cart/truck used and, therefore, itspotential distance from the aircraft 12. However, the length of therefill tube 48 from the female coupling 50 on the proximal end 88 to thebase 46 of the bag 14 will generally range from about 16 inches to about20 inches.

[0057] Additionally, the refill tube 48 also includes a refill tubeswitch 54 or valve which may be operatively connected to a pump in orderto activate the pump to discharge blue solution from the storage tank onthe cart/truck through the refill tube 48 and into the lavatory of theaircraft 12 following removal of human waste. Upon activation, thelavatory of the aircraft 12 is refilled with blue solution. In theillustrated embodiment, refill tube switch 54 is an automatic switch.However, it will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments of theinvention, switch 54 may be a manual switch. The switch 54 may be in theform of a button, toggle, marine-type or other waterproof switch 54disposed within the interior of the bag. Alternatively, the switch 54may be disposed on the exterior of the bag or may be located on a footpedal easily accessible to the user during refilling of aircraft storagetanks with blue solution. In yet another alternative embodiment, theswitch 54 may be operatively connected to the interior of the bag andhave a wire, such as an electrical wire, adapted to connect with asecond wire extending from the pump. The connection between pump wireand switch wire may occur at the bag interface in order to operativelyconnect the switch 54 to pump. The location of the switch 54 inside bag14 prevents the user from having to remove his/her hands from theworkspace to activate a switch on the cart/truck.

[0058] In use a ramp attendant places his/her hands in the gloves 20, 22attached to the bag 14 and positions the open top 16 of the bag 14against the aircraft 12 so as to surround the exposed waste tube 42,rinse/refill tube 53, and T-handle 64. The attendant then opens the cap70 of the waste tube 42, thereby allowing all waste debris to fall intothe trap created by the positioning of the bag 14. The attendant thencouples the drain line tube 32 to the waste flange 40, by placing thefemale coupling 38 of the drain line tube 32 over the male flange 40 ofthe waste tube 42 and rotating the coupling 38 to lock the drain linetube 32 and waste tube 42 together. Following this coupling theattendant then pulls the T-handle 64 so that waste will drain throughthe drain line tube 32 and into the waste storage tank of the servicecart/truck. The waste debris which has fallen into the bag 14 willproceed to the lowest point or base 46 of the bag 14, which is heatsealed against the drain line tube 32. At the junction of the drain linetube 32 and base 46 of bag 14, any waste which has fallen into theinterior of the bag 14 will drain into port holes 44 disposed in drainline tube 32 and subsequently to the service cart/truck.

[0059] Following the drainage of the waste from the aircraft lavatory,the attendant disconnects coupling 38 allowing it to fall into bag 14.The attendant then closes the waste tube cap 70. Attendant then attachescoupling 50 of refill tube 48 located within bag 14 to the rinse/refillmale flange 52 by rotating and thereby locking the tubes together. Stilloperating within the interior of the bag 14, the attendant thenactivates switch 54 to start the refill pump in order to replenish theaircraft lavatory tanks with blue solution. Thus, the attendant does notneed to lower the bag 14 and remove his/her hands from the gloves 20,22, which would increase the chances of contamination. Following thefilling of the storage tank of aircraft lavatory with blue solution, theattendant disconnects the refill coupling 50 from the flange 52,allowing all spillage and backwash of blue solution to fall into the bag14, into the drain line tube 32 and subsequently into the tank of theservice cart/truck.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 8, in another aspect of the presentinvention, the flexible bag 14 and tubing system may be supported by astand 63 to bear the weight of the apparatus 10 and further facilitatesits use. During use, waste is received by the enclosure of the bag 14.As the weight of the bag 14 increases, it becomes more difficult for aramp attendant to hold the bag 14 against the fuselage of an aircraft.Should the bag 14 fall away from the aircraft, waste may spill to thetarmac or to individual workers, thereby resulting in the hazardsdescribed in the background of the invention.

[0061] The stand 63 may be operatively connected to the back of aservice cart/truck in one embodiment and is adjustable for use with anymodel of aircraft. In particular, the stand 63 includes a ring 65 havingbraces 67 for restraining the bag, an adjustable vertical stand 69, aswivel mechanism 71 for allowing lateral rotational movement of thestand, and platform 73 on which an attendant may stand.

[0062] More specifically the ring 65 is made of metal or any othermaterial of sufficient rigidity to support the bag 14 of the presentinvention. The ring 65 has a circumference of sufficient size to holdand support the flexible bag 14. The ring 65 includes a plurality ofbraces 67 disposed through the ring 65 of the stand 63. These braces 67may be inserted into or retracted from the stand 63 during its use. Thebraces 67 are used to restrain the bag 14 within the stand 63. As a bag14 is inserted into the ring 65 of the stand 63, the braces 67 aremanipulated by a user to move along their longitudinal axes to contactthe sidewall of the bag 14, thus preventing the bag 14 from slippingcompletely through the ring 65.

[0063] The vertical stand 69 is adjustable and, in the illustratedembodiment, is formed from these segments: an upper segment 75, a middlesegment 77, and a lower segment 79. The upper segment 75 is operativelyconnected to the ring 65. The lower segment 79 is operatively connectedto a platform 73. This platform 73 may include wheels operativelyconnected to its base to allow free movement of the platform 73 andstand 63. As described above, in one embodiment, the platform 73 may beoperatively connected to a service cart/truck. The adjacent ends of theupper and middle segments 75, 77, and the middle and lower segments 77,79 are operatively connected one to another by the use of atightening/release mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowersection 79 of the vertical stand 69 is hollow and adapted to slide overthe middle section 77 of the vertical stand 69. Likewise, the middlesection 77 of the vertical stand 69 is hollow and is adapted to slideover the upper section 75 of the vertical stand 69. The upper, middle,and lower sections 75, 77, 79 have a plurality of holes 81 disposedalong their longitudinal length. The tightening/release mechanismincludes a compression pin 83 adapted to be inserted through the holes81 of the upper, middle, and lower segments 75, 77, 79 in order to jointhem one to another. In order to adjust the height of the stand, thecompression pin 83 is removed from the holes 81 of the upper and middle75, 77, and/or middle and lower 77, 79 segments. The upper segment 75 isthen moved within the middle segment 77, and the middle segment 77 ismoved within the lower segment 79 until a desired height is attained.Corresponding holes 81 of the upper and middle 75, 77, and/or middle andlower 77, 79 segments are aligned and the compression pin 83 is insertedinto the holes 81. The stand 63 is thus retained at the proper height.

[0064] The lower segment 79 of the vertical stand 69 is operativelyconnected to a platform 73 on a service cart/truck. The lower segment 79bends at a 90° angle at its base to be substantially parallel to theplatform 73. This horizontal section 85 of the lower segment 79 is alsoadjustable as described above with respect to the upper, middle, andlower segments 75, 77, 79 of the vertical section 69 of the stand 63. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the distal end of this lower segment 79 isoperatively connected to a mechanism 71 which allows the stand to beswivelled at its base. This lateral rotational movement obviates theneed for the service car/truck to be precisely placed under the drainhatch of the aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment, the degree of thisrotational movement is limited by a swivel cover 87 which houses thedistal end of the lower segment 79 of the vertical stand 69. Inalternate embodiments, this swivel cover 87 may be absent so there is nolimit to rotational movement of the stand 63.

[0065] It should be understood that while the present invention has beendescribed in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, itshould not be considered limited to such embodiments but may be used inother ways without departure from the essential features thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for replacing at least one glove memberon an apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing waste,chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from contacting personsand objects, the method comprising the steps of: providing a receptaclefor catching waste including first and second openings disposed in saidreceptacle to allow a user to work within said receptacle, and first andsecond glove members removably connected to said first and secondopenings; removing at least one of said first and second glove members;and operatively connecting at least a third glove member to at least oneof said first and second openings.
 2. The method of claim 1, saidreceptacle further including a first conduit extending through saidreceptacle and attached to said receptacle for transporting waste, saidfirst conduit including at least one hole disposed through itscircumference, for draining waste from said receptacle into said firstconduit.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said receptacle furtherincludes first and second glove bases operatively connected to saidfirst and second openings, said first and second glove members beingplaced over said first and second glove bases.
 4. The method of claim 3,said first and second glove bases further including first and secondring members.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said receptacle furtherincludes first and second clamps adapted to be placed over said firstand second glove members to operatively connect said first and secondglove members to said receptacle.
 6. The method of claim 5 furthercomprising loosening at least one of said first and second clamps priorto removing at least one of said first and second glove members.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 further comprising placing at least one of said firstand second clamps over at least said third glove member.
 8. The methodof claim 7 further comprising tightening at least one of said first andsecond clamps to operatively connect at least said third glove member tosaid receptacle.
 9. A method for replacing at least one glove member onan apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing waste,chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from contacting personsand objects, the method comprising the steps of: providing a receptaclefor catching waste including first and second openings disposed in saidreceptacle to allow a user to work within said receptacle, first andsecond glove members removably connected to said first and secondopenings, said first and second glove members being placed over firstand second ring members, said receptacle further including first andsecond clamps adapted to be placed over first and second glove membersto substantially immobilize said first and second glove members, therebyoperatively connecting first and second glove members to saidreceptacle; loosening at least one of said first and second clamps;removing at least one of said first and second glove members; placing atleast a third glove member over at least one of said first and secondring members; placing at least one of said first and second clamps overat least said third glove member; and tightening at least one of saidfirst and second clamps, thereby operatively connecting said at leastone third glove member to said receptacle.
 10. The method of claim 9,said receptacle further including a first conduit extending through saidreceptacle and attached to said receptacle for transporting waste, saidfirst conduit including at least one hole disposed through itscircumference, for draining waste from said receptacle into said firstconduit.